Memorial Victory For Cosmos

(Celebrating 26 Anniversary)- Cosmos hoarded away the Lowell 'Slim' Sutherland Memorial Trophy for the fourteenth time against the West Indian Social club at Keney Park last weekend in Hartford, Connecticut.

Camilus Alexander

While much has been made about the picturesque nature of Keney Park and its vociferous supporters who have made a special effort to be present at the event every year, the combination of personalities gives the atmosphere a real Caribbean flavor of cricket that was enjoyed by all.

In the first match, Cosmos was left to reply to WISC 155 off 25 overs due mainly to a swashbuckling 85 from H. Wilson and 30 from K. Williams. Cosmos opening batsman N. Hutchinson stroked an aggressive 36, however, Lakeram Lakshman (22) experience great difficulty in attempting to get the ball out of the square, by which time, Cosmos had dug themselves a hole with the score on 70 for 1 in the 16th over. For cosmos to pull off a victory, of another 85 runs in 9 overs, it would require a cameo inning from one of their players and that is just what Camilus Alexander, Grenada national player, had in mind. Alexander ignited the fireworks in he 17th over with a huge six over midwicket and then followed with another to end a huge over worth 22 runs. He blazed his way to a match winning 65, cracking 5 sixes and 4 fours. When Alexander departed, Cosmos required another 8 runs. Captain Dixeth Palmer had no trouble securing victory.

That victory set up Cosmos for the match- up on Sunday while WISC had some reinforcement with the coveted trophy in mind. WISC openers showed some aggressive intent early in their inning, but were contained by a tight opening spell from Sham Ali and Camilus Alexander. Cosmos would tighten the screws even further the as USA youth players, Andre Kirton and Brian Ajodhi, spun a web around the WISC batsmen with his left and right arm orthodox spin. Kirton picked up 4 for 11 in his spell and Ajodhi in 1 for 14 leaving their opposition in tatters. They were eventually bowled out for 113 runs.

It was a good all round performance from cosmos in the field. Zafar Syed held on to two good catches in the deep mid wicket region while young Lakeram Latchman's excellent glove work snatched two stumpings and a catch. Cosmos in reply would overhaul their target in with thirteen overs remaining to seal a convincing six-wicket victory. Camilus Alexander excelled once again with the bat for an unbeaten on 54. A. Kirton (26) completed a good all-round performance.

In addition to the fireworks on the field, the atmosphere was illuminated by Cosmos two renowned commentary voices in Leonard Achaibar and Carl Bennett both of whom have contributed in raising the standard of cricket to new heights in the US. With the level of professionalism that they bring to the microphone, in the strongest opinions from the spectators, these two gentlemen are, without doubt, test match caliber. Keney Park cricket had never been graced with such specialty before, and they loved it.

At the presentation ceremony, Cosmos manager Shadi Khan expressed his admiration and appreciation to the hosts WISC as he honored the late Keith Carr for his dedication and perseverance with the youth program in the Connecticut area. Cosmos would also honor some of their own champions in former nationals Sheldon Gomes, Herbert Carrington, Ashmul Ali and Dixeth Palmer for their contributions over the years. Cosmos raised the Lowell 'Slim' Sutherland trophy for the 14th time.

Cosmos will play Westbury next Sunday at Floyd Bennett.

WALLPAPERS